What is the difference between literary Arabic and dialectal Arabic?

Arabic is a Semitic language spoken by millions of people across the Arab world and beyond. It encompasses various forms and variations, including Literary Arabic and Dialectal Arabic. Here's an overview of the differences between the two: Literary Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic or MSA): Literary Arabic is the standardized form of the language used in formal settings, such as in literature, media, education, and official documents. It is primarily based on Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran. Key points about Literary Arabic include: Universality: Literary Arabic is understood and used by educated Arabic speakers across different countries and regions. It serves as a common linguistic denominator for communication among speakers of different dialects. Standardization: Literary Arabic follows a strict set of grammar and rules, which have been codified and maintained over time. It is the language of formal education and official communication across the Arab world. Pronunciation: Literary Arabic has specific pronunciation rules, often adhering to Classical Arabic phonetics. It may differ from the spoken dialects in terms of sounds, pronunciation, and speech patterns. Vocabulary: Literary Arabic incorporates a rich vocabulary from Classical Arabic, including technical, scientific, and literary terms. It may have words or expressions that are not commonly used in everyday spoken dialects. Written Form: Literary Arabic is primarily a written language. It is used in written literature, newspapers, academic texts, and formal speeches. However, it is also used in some formal oral contexts, such as news broadcasting and public speeches. Dialectal Arabic (Colloquial Arabic): Dialectal Arabic refers to the various regional spoken forms of Arabic across different countries and communities. These dialects differ significantly from Literary Arabic in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Key points about Dialectal Arabic include: Regional Variation: Dialectal Arabic encompasses numerous regional variations, such as Egyptian Arabic, Levantine Arabic, Gulf Arabic, and Maghrebi Arabic. Each dialect has its own distinct characteristics and may have limited mutual intelligibility with other dialects. Informal Communication: Dialectal Arabic is the language of everyday conversation, informal communication, and local interactions. It is used among family, friends, colleagues, and in casual settings. Pronunciation: Dialectal Arabic exhibits variations in pronunciation, including the sounds and accents specific to each region. These variations may be influenced by historical, social, and linguistic factors. Simplified Grammar: Dialectal Arabic often has simplified grammar compared to Literary Arabic. It may have different verb conjugations, pronoun usage, and word order. Vocabulary: Dialectal Arabic incorporates words and expressions specific to each region, influenced by local cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. Vocabulary may vary significantly across dialects. Limited Written Form: Dialectal Arabic is primarily a spoken language and has limited standardized written forms. It is less commonly used in formal writing, literature, or official documentation. It's important to note that while Literary Arabic provides a common framework for communication across the Arab world, understanding and speaking dialectal Arabic is crucial for effective everyday interactions in specific regions and communities. Both Literary Arabic and Dialectal Arabic contribute to the richness and diversity of the Arabic language.